Talks are scheduled to resume this morning as Unifor and Loblaw representatives attempt to settle the ongoing strike.

Some 1,400 Dominion workers from 11 locations across the province have been on strike since late August. The initial tentative agreement presented by Loblaw this summer was rejected by workers, despite the union’s advice to accept the deal.

Loblaw responded saying that no better offer would be coming, as increasing competition and pandemic-related challenges had strained the company’s resources across Atlantic Canada.

There has been little movement regarding negotiations since then, but Unifor insists that a resolution would only be achieved at the bargaining table.

The union says it will not conduct secondary picket lines while talks are ongoing.

Earlier Story

Unifor says Loblaw Companies Limited has agreed to return to the negotiating table as the sides attempt to settle the ongoing strike of Dominion workers.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Unifor gave word that Loblaw had agreed to resume discussions. The two parties are set to meet in St. John’s tomorrow at 10 a.m.

While those talks are ongoing, Unifor says they will not conduct secondary pickets.

Lead negotiator Chris Macdonald called upon Loblaw representatives to return to the table after a tense evening at a secondary picketing site in Mount Pearl. Police attempted to disperse the picket line at Weston Foods in Donovans, and were met with refusal from the unionized workers.

A spokesperson for the Constabulary says they were contacted with concerns from uninvolved organizations who have seen an impact on their operations.

Unifor viewed the police response as an overreaction, given that the picket line was peaceful and within the confines of the law, but the RNC responded says their Public Order Unit is highly-trained in de-escalation and crowd management.

About 1,400 Dominion workers from 11 locations across the province have been on strike since August 22.